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ham

n. · v.
US //ˈhæm// UK //hˈæm// ham
  1. 1 meat (n.)
    A2 Elementary Cooking

    meat from the back leg of a pig, usually preserved with salt or smoke.

    the meat from the thigh of a hog, typically cured, salted, or smoked for preservation.

    Example

    He made a quick sandwich with ham and cheese for his lunch.

    Example

    The chef prepared a honey-glazed ham for the holiday feast, carving thin slices for the guests as they arrived.
  2. 2 an overacting performer (n.)
    C1 Advanced Informal Theatre

    an actor who performs with too much emotion or in a way that is not natural.

    an actor who performs in an exaggerated, showy, or amateurish manner.

    Example

    The lead actor was a bit of a ham, always making huge gestures.

    Example

    Critics dismissed the performance as the work of a total ham who prioritised cheap laughs over emotional depth.
    • overactor
    • show off
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  1. 3 radio operator (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    a person who has a hobby of using a radio to talk to people around the world.

    a licensed amateur radio operator who uses designated frequencies for non-commercial exchange of messages.

    Example

    My uncle is a ham who spends his evenings talking to people in Japan.

    Example

    During the power outage, local hams provided the only reliable communication link between the village and the emergency services.
    • amateur radio operator
  2. 4 anatomy (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    the back of the thigh or the buttock area of a person or animal.

    the region of the back of the thigh and buttock in humans or the corresponding part of a quadruped.

    Example

    The athlete felt a sharp pain in his ham while sprinting.

    Example

    The veterinarian examined the horse's hams for signs of muscle wastage following the injury.
  3. 5 to overact (v.)
    C1 Advanced Informal Theatre

    to act with too much emotion or energy to get attention.

    to overact or perform with exaggerated emotions, often used with 'it up'.

    Example

    The children started to ham it up as soon as they saw the camera.

    Example

    The comedian chose to ham it up for the television audience, knowing that subtle irony might be lost on the viewers at home.
    • understate
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